New Music: Tinsley Ellis, G. Love, Blue Öyster Cult,

Several of this writer's favorite blues and rock artists have returned with essential new listens. What's more, legendary rockers Blue Öyster Cult are back with a terrific new full-length concert release as well as a reissue featuring stellar versions of many of their best-known classics.

Artist: Tinsley Ellis
Title: Ice Cream In Hell (Alligator Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Freddie King, Eric Clapton, Albert King
Tell me more: Blues rock great Tinsley Ellis is as true triple threat, able to play electric guitar, sing and write songs with a master's touch. Thus, his latest studio collection Ice Cream In Hell cements the Atlanta, Georgia native's well-earned role as a leading member of the contemporary blues scene and one of the genre's greatest living proponents. Opening with the blistering Albert King-styled "Last One To Know," his heavy baritone voice delivers vocal lines amidst his own persuasive guitar lines, that musical dance culminating with a mighty solo that closes out the track. He explores other reaches of his Southern blues-minded universe, including via the frisky "Don't Know Beans," the B.B. King-mining title track and "Foolin' Yourself," and affecting "Your Love's Like Heroin" are among the scorching cuts on the disc. Across the 11-track album Ellis is firmly in command and further defines his signature style for all to hear. If you are in Southern California, make sure to catch Ellis on tour this winter; he has dates at The Canyon in Agoura Hills on Feb. 27, The Rose in Pasadena on March 5, and at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on March 8. Information: TinsleyEllis.com.

Artist: G. Love
Title: The Juice (Philadelphonic/Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Tommy Castro, Marcus King, Keb' Mo'
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist G. Love (aka Garrett Dutton) has released The Juice, a Keb' Mo'-produced LP featuring several high-profile guests who add authentic magic to the glorious proceedings. The album finds G. Love singing, delivering spoken word and fusing gospel vocals, blues guitar, funk, hip hop and more into a musical stew that thrills at every turn. The talented Marcus King guests on the cool title track, a Delta blues-meets-gospel gem with a bouncy flow. "Soul-B-Que" is a funky romp adorned by blues harp, G. Love's signature rapid-fire vocal approach and stylish work of guest pedal steel guitar player Roosevelt Collier. Keb' Mo' takes advantage of his collaborations as well, notably on the playful blues funk turn "Go Crazy." Keb' Mo' and pedal steel guitar great Robert Randolph both show up for "Birmingham," a driving folk rocker enhanced by the star power. Hawaiian artist Ron Artis II joins G. Love on the breezy "Diggin' Roots," an acoustic nugget with a sing-along chorus and good vibes in sync with the sound across The Juice. Information: ThirtyTigers.com.

Artist: Blossoms
Title: Foolish Loving Spaces (Virgin Int'l)
You might like if you enjoy: Keane, Phoenix
Tell me more: England's celebrated indie pop quintet Blossoms has a knack for tapping into tuneful, dance floor-ready impulses across their third full-length release Foolish Loving Spaces. There is a buoyant and enlivening spirit across this album's 10 triumphant songs. The soulful gospel-injected "The Keeper" is a particularly joyful listen, while the catchy "Real Life" and "Your Girlfriend" lyrically delve into the realities of life getting in the ways of youth-driven romantic infatuation. The sleek sounds of the immersive "My Swimming Brain," synth pop shine of "Romance, Eh?" and disco-tinged "Sunday Was a Friend of Mine" are among my other faves on a fantastic return. Information: www.blossomsband.co.uk.

Artist: Blue Öyster Cult
Titles: Cult Classic; Hard Rock Live Cleveland 2014 (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
You might like if you enjoy: Blue Öyster Cult, Rush, Asia
Tell me more: In early December 2019 I caught Blue Öyster Cult as the groundbreaking rock troupe delivered a powerful and inspired concert at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. The quintet's much-deserved reputation as a must-see live act is certifed via two newly-released collections out now. Cult Classic is the 12th studio album from the New York-spawned band. Originally issued in 1994, the 14-track disc features updated recordings of BOC's biggest hits including the enthralling "Don't Fear The Reaper," infectious "Burning For You" and undeniably fun "Godzilla." Beyond the band's timeless hits is a palpable pull that casts a welcome appreciation of the bona fide talents of the group; the psychedelic-tinged heavy rockers ""This Ain't The Summer of Love" and "Flaming Telepaths" are bolstered by lush harmonies. Elsewhere the blues-rocker "O.D.'D On Life Itself," literate prog rocker "Astronomy" and heavy metal rocker "Cities On Flame With Rock 'N' Roll" convincingly captivate. And everywhere across the collection listeners are treated to killer guitar work from Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (just listen to the dazzling instrumental "Buck's Boogie"). The reissue comes remastered and with updated artwork. 

Hard Rock Live Cleveland 2014 is a stellar two-hour concert recording available in several fan-friendly formats including 2CD + DVD, vinyl, and Blu-ray (this writer was provided the digital audio stream for review). BOC explodes out of the gate with "O.D.'D On Life Itself," the first of 17 selections that collectively embrace the troupe's parade of hits as well as far-flung cuts that capture BOC's diverse forays into blues, hard rock, progressive rock and experimental veins. "The Red and the Black" is one of those great tracks that is dizzying, somehow combining Celtic, classic rock and guitar-centered rock (including tandem fret play from Roeser and Richie Castellano); a six-minute take on "Golden Age of Leather" is launched with lush a cappella vocals and weaves its way through distinctive sections (including riff rock, progressive, and Byrds-like vocal harmonies) all perfect in their relation to the others. While the potent versions of the band's radio hits is a surefire draw, the inviting takes on the sumptuous 9-minute gem "Shooting Shark," bewitching "The Vigil," lovely "I Love The Night" and rollicking "ME 262" are among the other sonic attractions that make "Hard Rock Live Cleveland 2014" a welcome addition to any rock lover's library. The 10-minute-plus masterwork "Then Came The Last Days of May" is another standout track on the title, enhanced by a nuanced arrangement and fiery musicianship that builds to an explosive crowd-pleasing finale. In addition to Roeser (lead guitar, lead vocals) and Castellano (keyboards, lead guitar, backing vocals), the lineup includes Eric Bloom (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards), Jules Radino (drums) and Kasim Sulton (bass guitar, backing vocals). Information: www.frontiers.it.




Robert Kinsler